Robert Lewandowski has been a key striker for Barcelona under Hansi Flick, but recently, he has found himself substituted more frequently.
To put it in perspective, out of the 22 matches played so far, Flick has taken the Polish forward off the pitch in 12 of them and these substitutions have caught the attention of many, especially since some have occurred in matches that were not yet decided.
It is no secret that, Flick values players who can perform at their maximum level throughout the entire match, which is why he prefers to bring on fresh legs in the final stages.
Why is Lewandowski taken off?
According to Cat Radio, the reason for these changes lies in the demands of Flick’s playing style.
The German coach and his team have noticed that Lewandowski, despite his impressive abilities, struggles to maintain the high intensity required for the full 90 minutes.
Robert Lewandowski is in scintilating form. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
This approach is not without its risks, but it is one that Flick believes is necessary for success.
His strategy requires all players to be focused and operating at 70-80% intensity at the very least, as falling short of this could lead to poor results.
Ensuring that every player stays at their peak performance until the end is a key aspect of the team’s overall approach.
Still the most important player
Lewandowski himself is also mindful of the physical demands placed on him. At 36 years old, he understands the importance of pacing himself to keep his body in top condition for the challenges ahead.
Despite these challenges, he has been in fantastic form, leading the team as their top scorer. With 23 goals across all competitions, Lewandowski is currently the top scorer in both tournaments, showcasing his incredible ability to deliver when needed.
This balancing act between managing his physical load and contributing to the team’s success is crucial for Lewandowski as Barcelona push forward in their quest for titles under Flick.